2010 Lexus IS Reviews

2010 Lexus IS 250C 2.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

Still grinning every time I get in it

Faults:

The only thing I've had to do is put air in the tires.

General Comments:

It’s a remarkable automobile. I had no idea a hardtop convertible would be this nice.

With the top up, you would not know it’s a convertible, other than the fact that the back seat is smaller than the sedan. It’s quiet, completely sealed against rain or snow, warm, comfortable. Plenty of trunk space, as long as you don’t plan to fold the top. I do some photography on the side. I can put the lighting kit, camera bags, tripod, folding dolly all in the back out of sight. Drove it 2,000 miles in the spring, was surprised at the comfort of the seats and the quiet. A very nice ride. With top down, really fun to drive.

Car and Driver says it’s too slow, but they’re nuts. I’m not racing this thing. Press the ‘power’ button on the dash and it’s as peppy a car as I’d very want. The 350 model would be a complete waste. Side visibility is great for a convertible, but you want the backup camera. You know the back seat will be small, but not bad for adults up to about 5'10".

Downsides: I’m in Chicago. Rear wheel is not as stable on snow as front, even with traction control. Definitely prefer my wife’s Accord when it’s slick. It’s good looking, but not what it should be. Toyota needs to farm out their body designs. Would be nice, too, if they could find a way to keep the wind from hitting the back of your neck with the top down at highway speeds. I'm not buying their stupid wind screen.

Bike rack is a little bit of a pain, since you need to use a trailer-hitch style. Also take the bikes off before you open or close the top, since rear deck kicks back when it moves and you have to fold your rack down first (it does warn you, however, if you forget).

Navigation is not as nice as Google Maps. Good on the highway, but I don’t use it for short trips. Standard sound system is good for a standard radio, but I wish I had the premium one. Maybe I'll add that.

13th Jul 2014, 11:56

Why 5 for the reliability, as you mentioned all you had to do is put some air into your tyres? It's a great car, and I am contemplating whether I go for an IS250c or CT200h. Either will be a great option, and will still be Lexus!

2010 Lexus IS 220d 2.2 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Why would you choose this over a 320d?

Faults:

No faults.

General Comments:

This was a loaner from the lease company for just over a month while my 320d was on order.

I really wanted to like it, but it's well off the pace of the BMW. The engine is laggy and unresponsive; dangerously so under 2000 RPM in my opinion. Although outright performance isn't bad, Lexus really need to drive a 3 series to understand just how responsive and willing a modern diesel can be. Struggled to get 40 MPG out of it too. The 320d that replaced this never gives me less than 50 MPG in the same usage pattern.

In other respects, it was an OK car, but completely unmemorable. White goods on wheels. This is OK on a sub-£10k econobox hatchback, but in this part of the market where people have a huge choice, or if buying privately are investing a significant sum of cash, it's just not good enough. In all the time I had it, there were only two things I thought it did better than the BM - ride quality and noise levels.

The reason the roads are full of German exec saloons is very clear to me, if this is the standard of the alternatives.

15th Jul 2012, 19:41

16th Jul 2012, 01:34

Lexus Australia here have never brought in a diesel variant of any of their models, instead flogging off their over-priced Hybrids as a fuel saving alternative over the full petrol versions. I'm guessing the 2.2L TD in this is a bog-standard Toyota engine?

5th May 2014, 10:50

CHEAP INTERIOR you said??? You must be kidding me... the Lexus IS has the most decent, well built, nicely fit and superb quality interior in its class. Yes, the acceleration is not as good as BMW, but the ride quality is better.

As most of the people who buy these entry level luxury sports sedans are on a budget, therefore reliability plays a critical role in making decisions. Lexus is far more reliable than BMW, Audi or even Mercedes.

7th Apr 2014, 08:51

It is interesting the navigation system is locked while the vehicle is moving. Maybe it would be possible to have it functional with a front seated passenger? There is already a sensor in the passenger seat that knows when someone is seated.